Fans of border collies should head for the Sheepdog Centre in Ig near Ljubljana this weekend to see them demonstrate their herding skills at an international sheepdog trial.

Organised by the Slovenian Sheepdog Club, the only such competition in the country features 45 handlers with 56 dogs from Australia, Italy, Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Slovenia.

Running from 11 to 13 April, the event features two competition categories and six individual trials on different terrains.

According to the Slovenian Chamber of Agriculture and Forestry, the trial can compare to the biggest such events in countries with sheepdog traditions.

The courses are natural, rugged and challenging, giving visitors a great insight into the work of top sheepdogs and their handlers.

The dogs' performance will be evaluated by two top international judges at the same time.

Petra Szarvasz is a leading figure in Hungarian sheepdog sport, with outstanding results both in competitions and in the breeding of border collies. James McLaughlin is an experienced handler, judge and trainer, known for his feel for dogs and his practical approach to teaching. He regularly appears as a judge throughout Europe.

After the competition, a full-day seminar with McLaughlin will take place on 14 April, aimed primarily at competitors and handlers from Slovenia and neighbouring countries.